The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has launched an indefinite general strike demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political landscape.
At a Glance
- Largest union in South Korea demands President Yoon resign.
- Martial law declared and rescinded, causing turmoil.
- Yoon’s actions condemned as authoritarian and anti-democratic.
- Potential impeachment supported by opposition politicians.
Union’s Demands and Nationwide Strike
South Korea’s largest labor union, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, initiated an indefinite general strike. This action stands as a direct confrontation with President Yoon Suk Yeol, following the implementation of martial law. The union, representing 1.2 million members, demands Yoon’s resignation, condemning the martial law as an “anti-democratic” measure that must be reversed immediately.
The strike began on Wednesday at 9 a.m. local time and will continue until the union’s conditions are met, making it a prolonged standoff that could significantly impact the nation’s economy and political climate.
South Korea’s most powerful labor union, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has declared an indefinite general strike, demanding the immediate resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol.https://t.co/yGvZCebYEp
— The Korea Herald 코리아헤럴드 (@TheKoreaHerald) December 4, 2024
President’s Divisive Actions and Reactions
Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law, rescinded six hours later, marked the first such declaration since democratization in 1987. Yoon justified the decision as necessary against North Korean threats and “anti-state forces,” which led to swift condemnation both locally and abroad for perceived authoritarian tendencies. The South Korean won hit its lowest level since October 2022 following the declaration, highlighting turmoil in the financial markets.
“Approval rating is under 20%, so he has no strong public backing to help keep him in office to overcome this.” – Robert E. Kelly
Protests erupted nationwide with key figures like Andrew Minjun Park stating that Yoon “crossed the line” with his military involvement. Despite rescinding martial law, the damage to public trust and perception appears significant, sparking heightened tensions across South Korea.
#BREAKING #SouthKorea JUST IN: Workers represented by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) began an indefinite nationwide strike, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's resignation.
The strike will continue until he steps down.https://t.co/y9sH5lnIZY
— The National Independent (@NationalIndNews) December 3, 2024
Political Fallout and Impeachment Motion
The political fallout saw ten senior aides, including the chief of staff, offering their resignations. All six opposition parties have filed a motion to impeach Yoon. A crucial vote is planned for the coming weekend, with impeachment requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority and the agreement of at least six out of nine Constitutional Court justices.
“Declared the end of (his) own power” – Korean Confederation of Trade Unions
Yoon’s precarious political standing, characterized by a lack of legislative majority, renders him a “lame-duck president,” as opposition momentum builds. Analysts like Robert E. Kelly suggest the president might face impeachment should he remain in office amid surging dissent and a fractured leadership.
Sources
1. S. Korea’s Main Labour Union Group Calls ‘General Strike’ Until Yoon Resigns
